FEC Proclaims: "Tis the Season for Holiday Greetings"

If you thought you could get away from politics during the upcoming holidays, the Federal Election Commission is reminding us that it's almost impossible.

In an electronic greeting sent out today, the Federal Election Commission reminds us the disclaimer rules that apply to campaign related-mailings apply to holiday greeting cards as well, even though they usually do not solicit funds or contain express advocacy.

If a campaign sends out more than 500 holiday greetings, (i.e. a mass mailing) it must include a box on the card to inform recipients that it was paid for by the campaign committee. A PAC or party committee that sends a holiday mass mailing must include a box on the card that lets recipients know the committee paid for it, identifies the committee's full name and street address, phone number or web address, and states that the communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

For details and examples, see the Commission's brochure, Special Notices on Political Ads and Solicitations.

Editor's note: The FEC brochure does not show pictures of sample cards, nor can you order your 500 cards from the FEC.